A HIDDEN corner of Hereford city centre could be turned into a student residential area offering locally produced niche food outlets.

The Berrington Street regeneration area is one of several that have been put forward by Herefordshire Council to potential investors as ideas for the future of the city.

It is hoped that the area could house students from the planned university and Hereford College of Arts in flats or starter units.

Herefordshire Council predicts that the scheme would cost £100 million and are looking for a equity investor or developer for the project.

This was one of several ideas put forward to potential investors at a 'We're backing Herefordshire' event last month.

Others included: multi-storey car parks to the north and south of the city, the urban village project located on the City Link Road, university buildings in the city and the refurbishment of Hereford FC to potentially include a hotel.

Commercial ideas for developers included Hereford business quarter properties on Bath Street and Gaol Street, The Hereford Enterprise Zone and Model Farm enterprise park.

Herefordshire Council, held the 'Invest Herefordshire' event in partnership with the Hereford Times in the impressive setting of Eastnor Castle.

Designed to create a 'buzz and momentum' plans put forward to over 100 guests were not fixed plans but ideas for potential investment in the county.

Councillor David Harlow, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Corporate Services, outlined the council’s investment priorities.

He said: “It was great to see such a good turnout for the ‘We’re backing Herefordshire’ event. I hope that people who love to live and work here will spread the word that Herefordshire is open for business and can offer real return on investment for all kinds of business and social enterprise.

"British Land gave a powerful presentation on the success of the Old Market, which has seen the year on year growth with people spending more money, more time and visiting more often. There is great opportunity here and we look forward to progressing more projects to help grow and sustain Herefordshire as a successful county.”